Page 43 of Finding Forgiveness

Jazzie: I hope you told her to go fuck a cactus.

Cassie: No, but I’ll definitely save that one for next time.

Jazzie: Please don’t tell me you’re leaving us. This is the best place for you right now.

Cassie: I know, hence why I called this emergency appointment.

Jazzie: Do you want me to call Brooke and tell her you’re not coming in?

Cassie: No. I’m still going to work. My therapist is fitting me in between her other clients.

Jazzie: Text me the address of your therapist.

Cassie: Why?

Jazzie: I’ll Uber it there so I can drive us to the studio when you’re done.

Cassie: Again, why?

Jazzie: Just text it to me, biatch. Please. *Insert a kissy face and praying hands here

Her reply has me smiling for the first time today. I’ve been a mess since I got off the phone with my mother, and I knew I’d continue to spiral if I didn’t talk to someone. I know Jacinta loves me unconditionally and would do anything to help, but I can’t confide in my best friend. She has no idea how deep this betrayal runs. And since it also involves her brother, I can’t risk telling her the truth. This burden has been weighing me down for years, so I can’t, in good conscience, put something so heavy on her petite little shoulders.

I stare down at the phone unsure of how to reply.

Jazzie: I’m waiting!!!

Against my better judgment, I send her the address. It’s not like she’s going to come into my appointment with me.

Naturally, I’ve touched base with my therapist on my mother. She’s the reason for what some may call my mental breakdown, but I’m yet to dive down the deep rabbit hole with her.Maybe it’s time I do.My mum is a manipulator and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Is she bluffing about going after Connor? I’m not sure. It’s been a month since I left Melbourne with him, you think if she was serious with her threats, she would’ve done something by now. It makes me wonder if this is her way of keeping me in line. Up until now, it’s always worked.

Without being subjected to her daily dose of toxicity, I’m seeing things a little clearer.

This is why I’m desperate to see my therapist. I need guidance and some clarity. My appointment will determine whether or not I board that flight. I love my new life, and the last thing I want is to go back there, but if Connor is really in danger, I’ll be left with no choice.

My hands are twisting in my lap as I sit here and wait. Thankfully, it only takes a few more minutes until Beth, my therapist, enters the waiting room.

“Cassandra,” she says with a gentle smile. “Come.” My stomach churns as I stand and follow her down the corridor towards her room. I’m not even sure if I can go through with this. She opens the door and stands back, allowing me to enter. Neither of us speaks until we’ve taken our seats. “How are you?” she asks. “I take it something has happened.”

“I got a call from my mother this morning.”

“I see. Did you unblock her number?”

“No, she called me from my father’s phone.”

“Oh. I take it the call didn’t go so well?”

“No. She’s given me an ultimatum. She’s booked me on a flight to return to Melbourne later today.”

“Do you want to go back to Melbourne?”

“No.”

“I didn’t think you would, given everything you’ve told me so far. You know you’re an adult now, Cassandra. You don’t have to do this if it’s something you’re not comfortable with. Your mother has no control over your life.”

I blow out a puff of air. “She’s threatening me.”

“With what?”